The Hill: Trump Could Face Political, Legal Peril If Mueller Interviews Him

President Donald Trump could face political and legal dangers if special counsel Robert Mueller interviews him regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election, according to legal experts, The Hill is reporting.

Mueller would be likely to ask Trump about his knowledge of events relating to the Russia probe and about whether the president obstructed justice in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, the website noted.

It's almost certain that Trump would be placed under oath, which could put him in jeopardy of perjury charges for any false statements, The Hill reported.

"Any defense lawyer's position is, 'Why would I want to subject my client to an interview with the FBI?' Ask Martha Stewart what a great idea that was," Robert Ray, former independent counsel during the Clinton-era Whitewater probe, told The Hill.

Stewart is a TV host who was sent to federal prison for lying to investigators in a 2004 stock trading case.

Trump can almost certainly not be prosecuted in courts as president, but he could still be impeached. The "perjury trap" is what led to President Bill Clinton's impeachment, The Hill reported.

"I think the president, in the political process, is pushing back, which he has the right to do," Ray said, adding that there is "no upside" for Trump to agree to do an interview.

An interview request from Mueller would lead to negotiations with Trump lawyers about the conditions, with Trump's team pushing for limiting the scope of questions or providing answers in writing, The Hill reported.

Some of Trump's friends and advisers are telling him that he should not sit for an interview with Mueller.

President Donald Trump could face political and legal dangers if special counsel Robert Mueller interviews him regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election, according to legal experts, The Hill is reporting.